After falling into an alarming slide, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons earned their biggest win of the season, dislodging the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 25-22, 19-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Maroons stumbled into a four-match losing streak after winning their first match of the season. According to first-year UP head coach Hans Chuacuco, it was imperative for the Maroons to regain that winning feeling.
“Actually, ito lang gusto kong makuha, kahit for the past few games namin: isang panalo. Para maramdaman lang nila ulit kung paano manalo,” said Chuacuco, himself a former Fighting Maroon.
“For me, as a coach and former player, marami pa akong gustong makita sa kanila. Obviously, nagma-materialize every game namin. May lapses ‘yung mga bata. Parang natatakot sila or what. Kasi I asked them kanina, ‘Natatakot ba kayo or ano? You tell me. The more na sabihin niyo sa ‘kin, the more na mapagtutuunan natin, so we can recover. Pero the more na iki-keep niyo ‘yan deep inside, maghihinder ‘yan for us to perform,” he furthered.
Four Fighting Maroons scored in double-digits, led by opposite hitter Mark Millete and middle blocker Gian San Pascual who each provided 18 points, most of which came in the crucial fifth set.
UP (2-4) tries to end the first round on a high when they face perennial finalists NU Bulldogs (5-1) on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Transferee Joshua Umandal towed the Tiger Spikers with 18 markers while middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay added 16.
UST (3-3) faces the FEU Tamaraws (5-1) in a rematch of last season’s stepladder Final Four on Saturday also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
UP (3) – Millete 18, San Pascual 18, Miguel 16, Castillo 13, San Pedro 7, Consuelo 1, Acuna 0, Baldelovar 0, Gohoc 0, Madrigalejos 0, Nasol (L)
UST (2) – Umandal 18, Sumagaysay 16, Medina 13, Bautista 12, Carodan 6, Arbasto 2, Tajanlangit 2, Casillan 0, Sawal (L)
